“Underwater Majesty: The Grand Debut of Britain’s Newest Submarine”
His Majesty King Charles III has visited BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness to welcome the country’s newest assault submarine into the Royal Navy.
During the occasion, HMS Agamemnon – named after a mythical ancient Greek ruler – became the sixth of seven Astute class vessels ready to be commissioned for operational service.
The nuclear-powered submarine, weighing 7,400 tonnes and measuring 97 metres in length, will now embark on her testing and commissioning program before leaving Barrow for sea trials.
Earlier that same day, Defence Secretary John Healey began the cutting of the first steel to officially launch the construction of the final Dreadnought submarine, HMS King George VI. This vessel is being constructed by BAE Systems in partnership with the broader Defence Nuclear Enterprise to reinforce the UK’s nuclear deterrent capabilities.
The Dreadnought submarines, expected to commence service in the early 2030s, will succeed the Vanguard-class submarines, which presently maintain the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD) for the Royal Navy. This crucial role underpins national security as the ultimate guarantee, ensuring that at least one vessel is stationed in a covert ocean location every single minute of every day.
Steve Timms, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Submarines division, remarked: “It is a privilege to host these ceremonies at our shipyard. The steel cutting for the fourth Dreadnought submarine showcases the significant progress we’ve made on the project, while the sixth Astute class vessel, HMS Agamemnon, joins the extensive and distinguished roster of Barrow-built ships that have been commissioned into the Royal Navy.
“The enduring collaboration between our Barrow shipyard and the Navy dates back to the Victorian era, and our position as the UK’s center for submarine design and construction is something we hold in high esteem.”
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, commented: “The commissioning of the sixth Astute class submarine, HMS Agamemnon, and the commencement of the fourth Dreadnought-class vessel, HMS King George VI, represent significant milestones in the Royal Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation.
“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the exceptional workforce at Barrow, whose dedication, skill, and ingenuity continue to drive these vital programs forward, ensuring that the Royal Navy remains at the forefront of global maritime defense.”
His Majesty also paid a visit to Barrow Town Hall to bestow Royal Port status to the town, honoring its 120-year history as the birthplace of submarine construction in the UK.
